Remedies of cough

Remedies

Remedies

Quelling your cough

If you do not really believe coughing is a common problem, go to the nearest drugstore. There is a bewildering number of cough syrups, sprays, tablets, and lozenges available. You will also notice a consistent stream of customers forking over large sums of money to purchase potentially ineffective products.

The treatment for your cough will be determined by the type of cough and its cause. The best method to manage a cough caused by a viral illness is to let the immune system handle it; such coughs usually go away on their own. A doctor will focus on the source of a cough when treating it.

Cough medication can be divided into two major categories: 

Many cough medicines contain expectorants, which are substances that loosen sputum and make it easier to remove. The most often used expectorants are Ambroxol and Guaifenesin. Expectorants are medications that aid in the removal of mucus and other debris from the trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Guaifenesin (guaiphenesin), for example, thins mucus while also lubricating the inflamed respiratory tract and aiding in the drainage of the airways.

They are also widely used. Cough suppressants, such as dextromethorphan, can help patients feel more at ease. Prescription cough syrups containing codeine are more effective. Cough suppressants can relieve discomfort when used properly; however, since coughing can serve a useful function, it should not always be repressed, particularly in productive cough. Some cough suppressants may alleviate related symptoms such as fever or a stuffy nose. These medications reduce the cough reflex and are often only used to treat a dry cough. Pholcodine, dextromethorphan, and antihistamines are a few examples. However, there is no compelling evidence that cough treatments help coughs go away faster. 

Remedies of cough

Others

Cough lozenges and cough drops are two of the most popular cough medicines. These products contain menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, honey, and other substances in various combinations. Some, like liquid cough medications, contain topical anesthetics. 

Before providing OTC cough medicine to small children, consult with a doctor. Some cough medicine components, such as codeine, might be hazardous to small children.

Natural cures

Treatments are largely geared at helping the patient feel better, although they rarely reduce the length of the cough. The National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom recommends a DIY treatment of honey and lemon. Water can also help relieve coughs caused by throat discomfort or dryness. It can also be used to treat coughs by vaporizing it or taking a hot shower.

Treating the root cause

  • Allergies can be treated by avoiding triggers and taking antihistamines to lessen their reactions.
  • Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics.
  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) can be addressed with bronchodilators to widen your airways.
  • GORD (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) can be treated with antacids to neutralize stomach acid and medicines to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces.
  • Quitting smoking is also likely to help improve your cough.

What happens if you don't treat it?

A cough will usually go away on its own within a week or two of first appearing. Coughing rarely results in long-term damage or symptoms.

A severe cough in some cases may result in temporary consequences such as:

  • tiredness
  • headaches
  • dizziness
  • rib fractures

When should you worry about your cough?

Most coughs, especially those caused by colds and flu, go away fast. Coughs can, however, be caused by a variety of different conditions, some of the symptoms which may potentially indicate a bigger problem indicate a bigger problem necessitate medical treatment.

You should seek professional help from a doctor for the following:​

  • Coughs that generate specific sounds, such as whooping, wheezing, or barking
  • If your cough produces yellowish-green phlegm or blood
  • Suffering asthma and experiencing a cough, especially at night
  • Feelings of stiffness or discomfort in your chest
  • A cough that does not go away after 7 days
  • If you are fatigued or feeling lethargic
  • Experiencing unexplainable chronic cough, the one lasting longer than 3 weeks
  • Running a fever or chills
  • Noticing unexplained weight loss

You should immediately go to the hospital if you are experiencing:

  • Inability to breathe properly and feel like choking
  • You cough up a lot of blood
  • Experience significant chest pain
Remedies of cough